Local food pantries seeing need in holiday season

In Dickens' “Christmas Carol,” Scrooge is told by the men who come to his office before his conversion that charitable giving is especially important at Christmas because it is the season of the year when want is most keenly felt and abundance rejoices.

In Dickens' "Christmas Carol," Scrooge is told by the men who come to his office before his conversion that charitable giving is especially important at Christmas because it is the season of the year when want is most keenly felt and abundance rejoices.

In that spirit, the Ledger spoke to representatives of area food pantries and asked them what items are most needed at this time of the year.

Canned fruit and soup can always be used by the food pantry at the United Methodist Church in Lewistown. Also needed are spaghetti and spaghetti sauce, as well as paper products. Monetary donations are also helpful as the pantry buys most of its supplies.

Canned vegetables and fruits are also needed at the First Baptist Church food pantry in Canton. The main need during the holiday season is toiletry items which they give away during Christmas, but all donations are accepted.

When asked what the St. Mary's food pantry could use, a spokesman replied, "Everything." Canned goods are the biggest need, particularly fruits and vegetables, and the pantry also needs boxes of macaroni and cheese, instant mashed potatoes and Hamburger Helper. The St. Mary's food pantry does not give out paper products.

A spokesperson for the Cuba food pantry said the need was "tremendous," particularly for canned fruit, meat and soup; cereal; dried beans and rice; and boxes of macaroni and cheese. Also needed are household cleaning products, dishwashing liquid, toothpaste and toilet paper.

Canned goods, particularly vegetables and fruit, and boxed items such as macaroni and cheese are needed at the Canton Salvation Army food pantry. Other items which are in short supply are beans, rice, Tuna Helper, instant mashed potatoes and canned meats. Paper products such as toilet paper, paper towels and tissues are also needed.

Anyone wishing to donate items may do so at any of the food pantry locations: